Exogenous glycine betaine alleviates dynamic physiological and transcriptomic responses in <i>Inula salsoloides</i> under combined salt-cadmium stress.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Inula salsoloides, a psammophytic and salt-tolerant xerophyte is ecologically valuable for windbreaks, sand fixation, and the restoration of saline-alkali lands. However, the regulatory mechanisms through which exogenous glycine betaine (GB) alleviates combined salt-cadmium stress in this species remain unclear.

Methods

This study investigated the protective effects of foliar-applied GB on Inula salsoloides seedlings under individual salt, cadmium, and combined salt-cadmium stress through a systematic analysis of seed germination, seedling growth, key physiological and biochemical parameters, and transcriptome sequencing.

Results

The salt, cadmium, and combined salt-cadmium stress significantly suppressed seed germination and seedling growth

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12900682 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature